Veteran Spotlight
At Office Evolution, we take pride in supporting veterans who bring their military skills and experiences into the business world. Today, we’re highlighting three inspiring veterans—Vonda Helbert, David Wheeler, and Chris McIntosh—who have each used their time in service to shape successful civilian careers. Their journeys show the lasting impact of military service and how it continues to fuel their success.
Vonda Helbert: Building Resilience in Business Management
Vonda Helbert, now a Business Center Manager at Office Evolution, joined the Navy right after high school. Originally aiming for the Air Force, she shifted gears when the Navy provided an opportunity she was seeking. Serving as an Aviation Ordnanceman, Vonda was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, where she loaded bombs and missiles onto F-18 fighter jets during a six-month deployment in the Mediterranean.
Her military service instilled resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking—qualities that have shaped her career. After transitioning to civilian life, Vonda had to reinvent her career path. “Unfortunately, there aren’t civilian jobs doing what I did in the Navy, so I had to start over and figure out what was next,” she shares. The skills she developed in the military have made her a strong, dedicated leader at Office Evolution, where she now oversees daily operations and supports entrepreneurs and small business owners.
David Wheeler: Embracing Teamwork and Attention to Detail
David Wheeler, a U.S. Army veteran, served as a jump-qualified ANTPQ-36/37 Firefinder Radar Tech, a highly specialized role. Although his military training didn’t directly translate to a civilian career, the lessons he learned during his service have been invaluable in his professional life. “Being part of a high-performing team and doing everything to the best of your ability is something I carry with me,” David reflects.
David, as an Office Evolution member, is provided with the perfect platform to establish his business. David is the president of Drone Clean USA. He appreciates how Office Evolution allows him to have a professional presence without the burden of managing a large office space. “Office Evolution has been a huge part of our success, and we consider them a strategic partner,” David says. The flexibility and support have given him the tools he needs to thrive in his business ventures.
Chris McIntosh: Leadership and Continuous Learning
Chris McIntosh’s military background as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and Surface Warfare Officer shaped his approach to leadership and problem-solving. Having served aboard an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Chris learned to manage operations in high-pressure environments, gaining skills that have translated directly to his civilian career. “Success in the military is often dependent on continuous learning, and that habit serves me well to this day,” Chris shares.
Today, Chris is the Chief Executive Officer of Bent Ear Solutions and an Office Evolution member. He helps clients make better data-driven decisions during critical moments, using the fast-paced, technology-driven decision-making skills he honed in the Navy. The leadership and adaptability he developed in service continue to play a crucial role in his professional life.
Office Evolution understands the unique strengths veterans bring to the business world. We’re proud to offer flexible office solutions tailored to their needs. Whether it’s providing a business address, meeting spaces, or networking opportunities, Office Evolution helps veterans like Vonda, David, and Chris build successful post-military careers. Veterans have access to free coworking this November as a thank-you from Office Evolution!